We live in a world where over 70,000 chemical are produced on a large scale, all of which contribute to the quality of life we enjoy. Unfortunately, the production of large amounts of so many substances involves some risk, and accidents do occur. While the chemistry involved in large scale material production may seem bewildering, many large-scale processes actually involve rather simple transformations, because this simplicity is economically beneficial. We will discuss the largest chemical processes, how bulk chemical are produced and transported, the hazards involved, and safe practices recommended for first responders in the event of an accident.